Judy Ann Snipes

Judy Ann Snipes, 83, went home to be with the Lord on May 9, 2026.

Judy was born on December 3, 1942, in Laurens, South Carolina, to the late Sidney and Mary Johnson. She spent the last 42 years in Augusta, Georgia, where she built a life full of family, faith, friendships, and lots of laughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond “Moose” Tyrone Snipes; her sons, David Snipes and Jerry Buffington; her daughter, Sheela Freeland; her sister, Martha Bradshaw; her brother, Bob Holden; and her sister, Nancy Duncan.

She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply, including her children, Randy Snipes (Gail), Sydney Prescott (John), Kelly Buffington (Robert), and Shaye Templeton (Frank). Over the years, Judy shared an especially close bond with Gail and John, who were a very special part of her life and family for many years. She was also a proud grandmother to Travis Snipes, Amanda Lively (Alex), Ashley Stewart (Chase), Joshua Snipes, Ashley Harris (Landon), Laura Beth Snipes, Ty Snipes (Emily), and Abby Vital (Harrison), along with 11 great-grandchildren whom she adored.

Family was everything to Judy, her love and devotion to her children was immeasurable. She was very proud of her children and the relationship she had with them. It was that relationship with her children that sustained her through good and bad times. She enjoyed watching her family grow over the years and took pride in her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than having her family together.

She was also a devoted Clemson football fan and loved cheering on her Tigers every chance she got.

After moving to Augusta, Judy was introduced to the game of golf, and it quickly gave her a new lease on life. Golf gave her the opportunity to experience people and places she may have never otherwise known. It was a hobby that she and her husband enjoyed together, and they quickly became part of the fabric of the Goshen Plantation Golf community. Through golf, Judy built deep friendships and found a community that meant so much to her. She became quite an accomplished golfer, competing in and winning many golf tournaments around the CSRA. More than anything, the game brought her joy, laughter, friendship, and some of the very best years of her life.

Judy was a member of Fleming Baptist Church and the Lydia Sunday School Class. Her church family was very important to her.

She had a smile that immediately made people feel at ease and a personality that naturally drew others to her. Judy loved to laugh, had a quick wit, and could be just the right amount of spicy when the moment called for it. She was the kind of friend people wanted to be around — someone you could call for honest advice, knowing she would always tell you the truth with love and have your best interests at heart. Her life experiences gave her a wisdom people trusted, and her friendships meant the world to her.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Charter Senior Living of Augusta Gardens for the love, kindness, care, and attention they showed Judy during the last years of her life. Your compassion meant more to our family than words can express.

While her family’s hearts are broken, they find peace in knowing she is fully restored and reunited with the loved ones who went before her.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 13, at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, Georgia 30907. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m., with the service to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. A private graveside service for immediate families will be held following the service.

A live stream of the funeral service may be viewed at https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/MVWAW2

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Church Greenville, 1 Oakway Circle Greenville, SC 29615.